survey and historical research

8/6/2019 Survey and Historical Research

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06/05/2011 Dr. Qamruz Zaman 1

SURVEY METHOD


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Survey ResearchSurveys require asking people, who are called respondents, for

information, using either verbal or written questions. Questionnaires or

interviews are utilized to collect data on the telephone, face-to face,

and through other communication media. The more formal term

sample survey emphasizes that the purpose of contacting respondents isto obtain a representative sample of the target population.

Thus, a survey is defined as a method of gathering primary databased

on communication with a representative sample of individuals


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What is a survey?A systematic method for gathering information from (a

sample of) individuals for the purposes of describing the

attributes of the larger population of which the individuals

are members.

The attributes attempt to describe basic characteristics or

experiences of large and small populations in our world.


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Informations which the Survey Methods

Collect

The survey methods of survey studies

collect the following three types ofinformations

(i) of what exists,

(ii) of what we want, and(iii) of how to get there.


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Characteristics ofthe Survey Method

The following are the main characteristics of the survey method of research:

1. The survey method gathers data from a relatively large number of cases at a

particular time.

2. It is not concerned with the characteristics of individuals.

3. It involves clearly defined problem.

4. It Involves definite objectives.

6. It requires careful analysis and interpretation of the data gathered.

7. It provides information useful to the solution of local problems.

8. It contributes to the advancement of knowledge

9. It suggests the course of future developments.

10. It determines the present trends and solves current problems.


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Steps in Conductinga Survey1. Develop the hypothesis; decide on type of survey (mail, interview,

telephone); write survey questions (decide on response categories, design

lay out).

2. Plan how to record data; pilot test survey instrument.

3. Decide on target population; get sampling frame; decide on sample size;

select the sample.

4. Locate respondents; conduct interviews; carefully record data.

5. Enter data into computers; recheck all data; perform statistical analysis on

data.

6. Describe methods and findings in research report; present findings to others

for critique and evaluation.


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Steps in Planning a Survey

1. Statement of objectives.State the objectives of the survey clearly and concisely and

refer to these objectives regularly as the design and the implementation of the survey

progress. Keep the objectives simple enough to be understood by those working on

the survey and to be met successfully when the survey is completed.

2. Target population.Carefully define the population to be sampled. If adults are to be

sampled, then define what is meant by adult(all those over the age of 18, for

example) and state what group of adults are included (all permanent residents of a

city, for example). Keep in mind that a sample must be selected from this population

and define the population so that sample selection is possible.


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3.The frame. Select the frame (or frames) so that the list of sampling units and the

target population show close agreement.

4. Sample design. Choose the design of the sample, including the number of sample

elements, so that the sample provides sufficient information for the objectives of the

survey.

5. Method of measurement. Decide on the method of measurement, usually one or moreof the following methods: personal interviews, telephone interviews, mailed

questionnaires, or direct observations.


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6. Measurement instrument. In conjunction with step 5, carefully specify how and what

measurements are to be obtained. If a questionnaire is to be used, plan the questions so that they

minimize non response and incorrect response bias.

7. Selection and trainingoffield-workers. After the sampling plan is clearly and completely set up,

someone must collect the data. Those collecting data, the field-workers, must be carefully taught

what measurements to make and how to make them. Training is especially important if

interviews, either personal or telephone, are used because the rate of response and the accuracy

of responses are affected by the interviewer's personal style and tone of voice.

8. The pretest. Select a small sample for a pretest. The pretest is crucial because it allows you to

field-test the questionnaire or other measurement device, to screen interviewers, and to check on

the management of field operations. The results of the pretest usually suggest that some

modifications must be made before a full-scale sampling is undertaken.


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9. Organization offieldwork. Plan the fieldwork in detail. Any large-scale survey involves numerous people

working as interviewers, coordinators, or data managers. The various jobs should be carefully organizedand lines of authority clearly established before the survey is begun.

10. Organization of data management. Outline how each piece of datum is to be handled for all stages of the

survey. Large surveys generate huge amounts of data. Hence, a well-prepared data management plan is

of the utmost importance. This plan should include the steps for processing data from the time a

measurement is taken in the field until the final analysis is completed. A quality control scheme should

also be included in the plan in order to check for agreement between processed data and data gathered in

the field.

11. Data analysis. Outline the analyses that are to be completed. Closely related to step 10, this step involves

the detailed specification of what analyses are to be performed. It may also list the topics to be included

in the final report.


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12. Final Report.The final report should match the stated objectives in step 1. Considering

the final report before the survey is conducted may be helpful in determining what items

are to be measured in the survey.

13.Recapitulation.After the final report is completed, you should consider what changes

should be made if/when the survey is repeated. Most surveys are conducted periodically.It is important to keep track of what went well and what difficulties occurred.


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A historical research is the critical investigation of events, developments and

experiences of the past, the careful weighing of the evidence of the validity of

sources of information of weighed evidence.

The systematic collection and evaluation of data related to past occurrences in

order to describe causes, effects, and trends of those events that may help

explain present events and anticipate future events. Data is often archival

including newspaper clippings, photographs, etc.- and may include interviews.


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RESEARCH

There are two approaches of historical researches - Perspective andRetrospective approach.

1. Perspective Approach : To study the events from the pasttowards present.

2. Retrospective Approach: To study the events of present and

proceed to past events.The first approach is ancient approach while the second is a recent

one.

Ancient Past to present-Prospective.

Recent Present to past-Retrospective.

The purpose of historical approach or history is to understand the

present in the light of past to enlighten the future. It is a time sense

approach


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The Steps ofHistoricalResearch

1. Identification and Definition of

the Problem

2. Collection of Data

3. Criticism of Data


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Sources ofHistoricalData or Evidences

(a) Various Documentary Sources are

1. Official Records 2. Institutional Records

3. Newspapers, periodicals, journals.

4. Literary material.

5. Catalogue, syllabus, prospectus etc.

(b)Relics or Remains

1. Building, furniture and equipment.

2. Library and their furniture.

3. Photographs and other records.

4. Forms of degree, diploma, certificate, records, registers.

5. Text-books, exercise-books, maps, drawings, etc.6. Written material.


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Primary Sources of DataThe original document or remains which are the first witness of a fact

are termed as Primary Sources. Primary sources are the only solid basisof Historical Research and they are highly prized by a historian.

Diaries, wills, autobiographies, letters, official minutes or records,

licenses, declarations, bills, handbills, receipts, accounts, maps,

diagrams, books, pamphlets, catalogues, films, pictures, paintings etc.


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Secondary Sources of DataIt is necessary in some historical research studies to begin with

secondary data and to work well when primary source of data is not

available, e.g., text-books, encyclopaedia, bibliographies.

Secondary sources are the reports of a person who relates the

testimony of actual witness of, or participant in an event.


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Limitations of HistoricalMethod

1. Reliable Data

2. Availability of Records3. Non-proper Keeping of Records

4. No test

5. Problem of Bias6. Problem of Sampling

survey and historical research

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